GPS

[Renee Borne]

I am looking for a GPS for my car. This is my needs. I want to be able to type the comps into the GPS and let it plot the route. I know new cell phones have GPS and I will also be shopping for a new phone. should I get everything through my phone or should I get a good (affordable) GPS for my car.

I also plan in the future to use a hand-help sketching programing when out in the field.

Wish list: GPS, Cell Phone and tablet(?).

Any help or websites that address this is appreciated.

thanks

 

[jay trotta]

about a year ago or so I upgraded my phone - I think it is a Motorola 318 - I'll check if you want; but it has the ability for GPS @ $9.99/mo and there is no need to upgrade CD's or anything else. It is point on accurate - I take it on vacation's / I've loaned it out a coupe of times etc.

What I looked at was cost VS time; @ $10/mo x 12 = $120 x 5 yrs = $600

a decent fixed unit for the car $500-$900 plus you will need new road upgrades every couple of years.

Recently I upgraded my system and now have "Traffic Reports" at my finger tips. I enjoyed my decision, I would just suggest looking at everything and then making up your mind.

 

[Scott Kibler]

A cell phone GPS will not be robust or accurate enough to do what you want. Look for a stand alone GPS system from a major brand; Magellin, Garmin, that has multiple destination routing and text to speach. You will want a portable unit that you can program inside at your desk, then take out to the car and stick it to the windshield when in the field. You should be able to get a decent unit for $250-ish or so.

 

[PBKlingensmith]

I agree with Scott about the stand alone unit. I have both a built in unit and a stand alone TomTom unit. I truly like the TomTom and have had great luck with it. My new blackberry also has a great GPS system, but that of course is a battery eater. I feel like such a nerd out there with 3 GPS units..haha.

 

[RSW]

Use the Delorme Street Atlas USA or Microsoft Streets & Trips with their GPS unit on your notebook computer. You can buy a power inverter and plug it in. I map out my subject and comps in the office on my main computer and then save it on a memory stick. I then open it on my notebook computer and I have a full screen to see where I am going. Sweet! Delorme is on sale with a GPS and 2009 mapping program at Best Buy this week for $60. An inverter may cost around $60.

 

[JTip]

Check out fatwallet dot com and filter for GPS unit.

A friend picked up a Nuvi (Garman) unit with a monster screen, speaks the streets and brand new maps for $139. There is a Circuit City coupon floating around that gives an additional $50 off GPS units, good until the 1st I believe.
Skinny enought to fit in your dress shirt pocket.......or cut off jeans....whatever appriaser uniform you utilize......

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

TomTom XL has multiple location and text to speech. Plus it's bluetooth will hook to your phone for traffic.

 

[Riick]

Costco - Magellan 3225
-- multiple locations + text to speech + both car & home recharger. $150
--vs.--
1 year of GPS phone service @$10/mo = $120

WARNING: Do not leave the GPS mount stuck on you windshield.
If you do you will soon have a broken side window, and no GPS unit.

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